Dolphins looking to develop tight end tandem

Shandel RichardsonSaturday, December 10, 2011

Credit: AP

Dolphins fullback Charles Clay, left, celebrates with offensive tackle Jake Long (77) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

DAVIE, Fla. - The development of rookie tight end Charles Clay has the Miami Dolphins one step closer to their goal of a two-tight end offensive set.

Coach Tony Sparano said the combination of Clay and veteran Anthony Fasano is closing in on the effectiveness of Dolphins’ best duo at the position. That distinction belongs to Fasano and David Martin in 2008 when they caught 65 passes for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"Well, I would say that, close," Sparano said. "David was a veteran player that had seen a whole lot more than Charles. That’s not a knock on Charles, he’s just a young guy. Every week he goes out there and sometimes something different happens."

Fasano and Clay have combined for 36 catches, 557 yards and five touchdowns. The numbers could be higher considering Clay was inactive the first two games because of a hamstring injury. The tight ends also seemingly became a bigger part of the offense once quarterback Matt Moore replaced the injured Chad Henne as the starter in Week 5.

Since, the tight ends have caught 27 passes.

"I know that our stats aren’t really up there, but we’re an important part of this offense," Fasano said. "We’re trying to make plays when they come our way and also be key factors in the running game."

Clay’s growth is the key if the Dolphins want to reach their goal. Clay said he’s learned while playing alongside Fasano. According to Fasano, Clay is starting to learn the mental aspects of the game and allowing his "abilities to just take over."

Clay has proven he can be an impact player at tight end or H-back. His progression is why the Dolphins are showing the two-tight end look more often.

"It’s been a little more gradual as the season progresses," Clay said of the two-tight end sets. "Earlier in the season, we were mostly a three-receiver team."

What the formation allows is the Dolphins to create personnel mismatches. The two-tight end set is one of the reasons New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been so effective over the years. Sparano said the matchup problems are limitless.

"If they bring little guys in the game, you can create matchup problems in the run game that way," coach Tony Sparano said. "Having the ability to have that personnel, it helps."

Wake, Incognito fined

Linebacker Cameron Wake was fined $15,000 for last week for roughing the passer against the Oakland Raiders. He hit Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer in the head and neck area.

Offensive lineman Richie Incognito was fined $7,500 for unnecessary roughness for striking an opposing player late.

Welcome back Ronnie

Former Dolphins first-round pick Ronnie Brown returns for the first time since signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason. Brown rushed for 4,815 yards in his six seasons in Miami.

His role has diminished with the Eagles, gaining 67 yards in 19 carries. He has just one touchdown, a four-yard run against the Chicago Bears Nov. 7.

"We all love Ronnie (Brown)," defensive end Jason Taylor said. "Unfortunately, he’s not here with us, but he’s was one of those who was special from day one. A good guy, really good in the community and a good teammate. So it would be good to see him even though he’s in the other color. We’ll try to beat him, but we’ll give him a hug at the end."